Amniocentesis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Amniocentesis

Overview

Risks

Results

Amniocentesis

Alternative Names:

Culture - amniotic fluid; Culture - amniotic cells

Normal Values:

The analysis shows no defects in the chromosomes and no excess of alpha fetoprotein (a protein produced by the fetus) or bilirubin.

What abnormal results mean:

Amniocentesis can be used to diagnose a large number of genetic and chromosomal abnormalities in the fetus. In addition, it is helpful in the diagnosis of the severity of Rh incompatibility, lung maturity, and neural tube defects (such as spina bifida).

DNA testing is available for many diseases. New diseases are being added to this list as genetic research advances. Ask your obstetrician or geneticist if you have a question about a specific disease.

Review Date: 5/4/2004
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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